Tributes paid to Gosport TV producer Peter Harris who was behind Spitting Image, Bullseye and Sesame Street
TRIBUTES have been paid to a legendary TV producer who helped mastermind a plethora of world-class television shows.
The funeral of Peter Harris, from Gosport was held in Poole on Friday, March 19, after he died on February 23 of Covid-19.
Peter, who was living at a nursing home in Ferndown, was responsible for some of the most popular shows on TV during the 1980s, such as Bullseye, The Muppet Show and Spitting Image.
The 85-year-old was also famed with discovering comedian Lenny Henry on New Faces, and spent five decades in the entertainment industry.
Born in Gosport, Bafta-winner Peter spent his life in the Midlands before moving south in 2018 to be near family.
He lived with his civil partner Drew and latterly suffered from dementia.
Denise Sherer, his sister-in-law, said: ‘He began as a floor manager then became a stage director and then director and producer and was very successful.
‘He was a lovely and really likeable man, but was a perfectionist about the way he worked.
‘I remember when he got my children onto Tiswas when Shawaddywaddy played and we have many wonderful memories.
‘In recent years he suffered from Alzheimer’s and had kidney disease and died from a nasty strain of Covid.’
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Although only a few people could attend Peter’s funeral, there were plenty of tributes paid to him online.
One of these came from former Who Wants To Be A Millionaire presenter, Chris Tarrant.
He said: ‘He was extraordinary; one of the most talented people I have ever worked with.
‘I’m pretty sure I would not have stayed in television without Peter Harris.’
Peter’s funeral was at Poole Crematorium, arranged by AE Jolliffe and Son.
Denise added: ‘Despite numbers being restricted the funeral was a celebration of his life, and we had messages from lots of famous people whom he had worked with over the years.
‘The service was broadcast so those who were unable to attend were able to pay their respects.
‘Jolliffes the funeral directors were amazing and provided a Rolls-Royce hearse so he could go out in style. He loved driving his.’